EIC Pre‑Accelerator

The pilot EIC Pre‑Accelerator is a joint scheme between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme. Funded under the Horizon Europe WIDERA Work Programme 2025, it helps early‑stage deep‑tech startups and SMEs in Widening countries raise their business, investor and technology readiness from TRL 4 to TRL 5–6 (technology readiness levels) and position themselves for follow‑on financing such as the EIC Accelerator.

Who Can Apply

Single‑beneficiary startup, SME or mid‑cap (≤ 499 employees) established in a Horizon Europe Widening Country (see list below).
Single‑beneficiary startup, SME or mid‑cap (≤ 499 employees) established in a Horizon Europe Widening Country (see list below).
High-impact innovation that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones (at least TRL4 - technology validated in the lab)
Clear IP ownership and freedom to operate
Defined route-to-market with milestones and KPIs
Strong ambition to scale

Horizon Europe Widening Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Outermost regions: La Réunion, Mayotte, Canarias, Açores, Madeira, Guyane, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique and all Associated Countries with equivalent characteristics in terms of R&I performance* (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine).

*Subject to valid association agreements of third countries with Horizon Europe

Funding Instrument

Lump-sum grant of €300,000 – €500,000, covering 70% of project costs (30% co-funded by the beneficiary)
Project duration: up to 24 months
Total call budget: €20 million

Added Value

Successful applicants receive:

Tailored Business Acceleration Services (BAS): coaching, one-to-one investor readiness, bootcamps, pitching
Fast-Track access to EIC Accelerator
Seal of Excellence for high-scoring projects, with continued BAS support

Timeline & Submission

Call deadline 18 November 2025
Single-stage proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, evaluated by three independent experts
Mid-project review may trigger Fast-Track to EIC Accelerator

Nordic Innovators can assist you in the whole proposal development process

We Bring Innovative Ideas to Life

Need funding for your innovative idea? We help identify the right grants and support you throughout the proposal process.
We refine your project idea to align with funding programmes and create compelling proposals to secure the funding you need.

In your EIC Pre-Accelerator Process, WE can help you with:

Funding Fit Assessment

We conduct funding fit assessments to ensure that your project perfectly fits with the grant criteria of EIC Accelerator. This is crucial for a successful outcome.

Full Proposal Development

We take full control of all the proposal documents with minor involvement required from your side.

Partial Control Support Model

We apply a partial control model, where we conjointly develop specific sections (higher involvement required from your side).

Review & Quality Control

We review your drafted proposal and ensure it is error-free, coherent, and meets the highest standards with our quality control.

Technical information

Get assistance with drafting your technical annexes and documentation, ensuring to use the right methodology for the GhG emissions avoidance and showcase your technical and operational maturity.

Financial information

Get assistance with analysing your financial model and information file, refining business models and financial strategy to have a strong financial credibility.